The gang threatened to tune him up if he returned.
tune up
idiomTo beat up (someone).
The witness was terrified because the criminals warned they would tune him up if he talked to the police.
Fearing that the local thugs would tune him up for trespassing on their territory, he retreated into the shadows of the alleyway.
- 01
can't carry a tune in a bucket
Sings very badly.
- 02
change one's tune
To reconsider; rethink; to reach a different conclusion.
- 03
sing a different tune
To hold a different opinion or appreciation (about something); to possess a new, changed, or regenerated mindset, usually for the better.
- 04
sing the same tune
To hold the same opinion or understanding as another; to be in agreement on a matter.
- 05
stay tuned
To remain as a listener or viewer of the particular radio station or television channel to which one is currently paying attention.
- 06
tune in
To pay attention.
- 07
tune out
To stop paying attention to; to ignore; to zone out.
- 08
tuned in
Paying attention.
Last updated April 17, 2026